Erik Johnson News

Johnson has been out with a broken fibula since December 3rd, but will play tonight vs. the Sabres. The Avalanche are expected to ease Johnson into the lineup on Saturday, so expect Tyson Barrie to see time on the top PP unit, but for Johnson to play on the second unit.

Johnson has been sidelined since December 3rd and will miss Thursday’s game in Nashville, but says he’ll be ready to play on Saturday vs. the Sabres. It has been a lost season for the Sabres, but Johnson has played well in his limited action. He scored one goal with 10 assists while averaging 2.04 shots per game in 23 games earlier in the season.

Johnson sustained a broken fibula during Colorado’s loss to the Stars on Saturday. The Avalanche are already struggling and losing their top defenseman, who logs 22-plus minutes per night for at least six weeks is going to cripple them. With Johnson out, the Avalanche have recalled Cody Goloubef from San Antonio (AHL).

Johnson missed Monday’s practice because of an illness, but he will be in the lineup vs. Nashville. Johnson has picked up one goal and nine assists (10 points) in 20 games this season.

Johnson has missed the last eight games with a knee injury, but will wait in more day before returning to the Avs’ blueline. Johnson will play Saturday and comes in with 16 points (7G / 9A) in 40 games this season.

Johnson suffered a lower-body injury in Monday’s win over the Kings. The injury is not serious but will keep him out of the lineup for at least five days. To provide the team with some blueline depth, the Avalanche claimed Andrew Bodnarchuk off of waivers from Columbus on Tuesday.

Johnson still is not ready to be back in the lineup and with only three games left in the season, he is running out of opportunities to return.

Johnson practiced on Tuesday but he was reportedly still labouring quite a bit so he will not travel out to California for the Avs’ upcoming three-game Cali-trip.

Johnson is nearing a return to the Avs lineup, but it will not come tonight against the Oilers. He remains day-to-day.

Johnson was expected to travel on this five-game road trip but he won’t be there, at least for game one of the trip. He could join the team later in the, but there is no word whether that will happen at this time.

Johnson has been out for just over seven weeks and he won’t play tomorrow, but next Thursday the Avalanche start a five-game road-trip and they are expected to get Johnson back at some point during that roady. Johnson had 23 points (12G / 11A) in 47 games before getting injured.

Johnson rarely had been participating in practice recently and it was apparent he was was banged up. Monday's announcement filled in the blanks. He will be out until at least the middle of February, but could be out until mid-March.

Johnson missed Wednesday’s game with a head injury, but he has back on the ice for Avs’ practice on Friday and should play tomorrow. Karl Stollery, Johnson’s replacement on Wednesday was sent back to the AHL which is another indicator that he will play tomorrow vs. Dallas.

Johnson was injured in Tuesday’s game but was able to finish the game. The Avalanche are likely following concussion protocol with Johnson, so Karl Stollery has been recalled to play in Johnson is unable to go.

Johnson left Sunday's game in the third period and did not return, but he was on the ice on Monday and will be in the lineup on Tuesday. This is good news for the Avalanche as their captain is showing no ill-effects of the injury he sustained last night. He has one goal and two assists in nine games this season.

Johnson missed the game-day skate this morning and will be a game-time decision for the Avalanche tonight. Johnson has really picked up his play as of late, so his absence would be greatly felt on the Avs' blueline. Nate Guenin would slide into the lineup if Johnson is unable to go.

Johnson has finished serving his two-game suspension he recieved for his slash on Frans Nielsen before the Olympic break. Johnson has seven goals and 17 assists (24 points) in 58 games this season.

Johnson was suspended for slashing New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen during the Avs contest on Saturday, February 8. The incident occurred at 12:09 of the third period. Johnson was assessed a minor penalty for slashing. The slash resulted in a broken hand for Nielsen. Ryan Wilson will slide into the lineup for Johnson.